Understanding Dental Benefits

A Straightforward Guide to Dental Coverage

Dental benefits are one of the most practical and cost-effective parts of an employee benefits package—but they’re often misunderstood. Whether you're choosing coverage for your family or reviewing options for your team, it helps to understand how most dental plans work and what they actually cover.

Most dental insurance is structured around three categories of care: Class A (Preventive), Class B (Basic), and Class C (Major) procedures.

Class A services are preventive. Think routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays. These are the foundation of good oral health and are typically covered at 100%. The idea is simple—catch small issues before they become expensive problems.

Class B services include common treatments like fillings, simple extractions, and periodontal work. These are usually covered at 70% to 80%, meaning the insurance plan pays most of the bill, but you’ll have some out-of-pocket responsibility.

Class C services involve major procedures like crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals. These are typically covered at 50%, with the patient paying the remaining half. While more costly, having insurance cut that cost in half can make a big difference when the need arises.

Most plans also come with an annual maximum, which is the total amount the insurance will pay per person each year. That limit often ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, with $3,000 being on the more generous side. Once you reach that cap, any additional dental expenses are your responsibility until the next plan year.

Some plans also include orthodontic coverage, typically for children, though adult orthodontics may be included in more comprehensive packages. This coverage usually comes with its own lifetime maximum, separate from the annual benefit.

It’s also important to remember: no two dental policies are exactly the same. Coverage details vary by insurance carrier, so it’s worth reviewing the specifics—what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how the percentages break down—before choosing a plan.

If you’re an employer, offering dental benefits is a relatively low-cost way to add meaningful value to your team’s compensation. If you’re an individual or family looking to get the most out of your coverage, it’s smart to schedule preventive care regularly and plan ahead for any larger procedures if possible.

Dental insurance won’t cover everything—but it covers a lot. And when structured the right way, it’s a benefit people actually use and appreciate.